In a significant development affecting air travel, Heathrow Airport has been forced to close due to a major power outage caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation. As a result, the first overnight flights, which typically begin landing at Heathrow around 04:30 GMT, are now being diverted to alternative cities. This closure has created a ripple effect across Europe, impacting numerous passengers and flights.
Passengers arriving at Heathrow are experiencing major delays, with many flights now redirecting to other airports. Some of the early arrivals have landed at London Gatwick, the UK’s second busiest airport, which is already facing its own morning rush. This situation raises concerns about capacity issues at Gatwick as it tries to accommodate the additional flights.
According to tracking site FlightRadar24, inbound flights to Heathrow are diverting to various airports across the continent. For instance, two flights from Doha and Bahrain have successfully landed at Frankfurt, while a Cathay Pacific service from Hong Kong has been rerouted to Amsterdam. Additionally, British Airways has redirected an early service from Nairobi to Manchester, which may be a more favorable option for some passengers. However, the increasing number of diversions is creating a complex situation for airlines, as they scramble to manage aircraft and crews scattered throughout Europe.
As the main airline operating out of Heathrow, British Airways has advised customers not to travel until further notice. In a statement, the airline acknowledged that the power outage would significantly impact its operations and customer travel plans. British Airways is working diligently to communicate with affected passengers and rebook flights, emphasizing the need for inbound flights currently en route to Heathrow to be redirected to other UK airports.
Flight tracking service FlightRadar24 estimates that at least 1,351 flights could be affected by the closure. This figure does not include potential cancellations or delays resulting from aircraft being out of position. It’s understood that about 120 flights currently in the air, destined for Heathrow, will have to divert due to the airport's unexpected closure.
Among those impacted are Scottish football fans, who found themselves stranded in Greece after their flight to Heathrow was abruptly canceled. One passenger recounted how, after clearing passport control, they learned that all flights to Heathrow had been canceled due to the ongoing fire. Many passengers were left scrambling to find alternative routes to cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Aberdeen, facing last-minute rebooking costs and uncertainty about their travel plans.
In a related development, Qantas, Australia's flagship airline, is also closely monitoring the situation at Heathrow. The airline announced that its QF9 flight from Perth to London is being diverted to Paris, along with another flight from Singapore, QF1. Two additional flights scheduled to depart London today, QF2 and QF10, are also expected to be affected.
The fire at the substation, located about a mile and a half north of Heathrow in Hayes, remains a serious concern. The London Fire Brigade has reported that half of a transformer within the substation is still alight, necessitating the deployment of ten fire engines and at least 70 firefighters. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne indicated that this will be a prolonged incident, with crews remaining on-site throughout the night.
As a result of the fire, many homes and local businesses have also suffered power outages, prompting the fire service to collaborate closely with local partners to minimize disruption. The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
In a recent statement, Heathrow Airport confirmed that it is experiencing a significant power outage due to the fire at the nearby electrical substation. The airport has announced its closure until midnight on March 21, 2025, emphasizing the importance of passenger and staff safety. Travelers are strongly advised not to come to the airport until it reopens, and Heathrow has promised to provide updates as more information becomes available.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of major transportation hubs and the cascading effects that can arise from unforeseen events. As the situation develops, travelers are encouraged to stay informed and connected with their airlines for the latest updates on their flights.
